Evelyn stepped forward to stand beside her elder sister. Margaret stood frozen, her body tense with the news that was waiting for them. Justine came up beside her to stand on the end. All four of the King’s children stood in order by age before him. The four that were held closest to his heart, thanks to their mother whom he loved so much.

“Good, Justine, you found your sister,” the King spoke, his voice deep and kind. A permanent smile tugging at his weathered lips.

Evelyn couldn’t help but smile at her father. His age was beginning to show. His once chestnut colored hair, similar to her own, was now streaked with gray. Lines creased his brow along with deeply set laugh lines. The one thing that always remained constant were his turquoise blue eyes, same color as the ocean that bordered their kingdom. The same color that mirrored her own.

“What’s this about father? I have Isolde and Mary coming over for tea here soon,” Margaret’s voice sang.

Evelyn gritted her teeth at the sound of her older sister's voice. Her and Margaret couldn’t be any different, a part from being different species. Maybe they were. She could never stand her sister. Always worrying over frivolous things that amounted to nothing in the way of true happiness. Margaret was the social butterfly of the family. The true beauty.

“I’ve already canceled all engagements for the next few days. There will be no tea today Margaret,” the King eyed his eldest daughter, maintaining eye contact to ensure she did not talk back.

Evelyn could almost hear the outrage no doubt screaming in her sister's mind. She couldn’t help the small smirk that threatened to tug at the corner of her mouth.

“I have brokered an alliance with the Kingdom of Leon. King Alexander has agreed to an alliance that will be solidified through the union of Prince Alexi and one of my daughters.”

The four children stood still in shock. Justine was bouncing on the soles of her shoes. Evelyn was biting the inside of her cheek to keep from saying something she may regret. Margaret was turning beat red with anger, loathing the vampire species.

It was Lionel, the eldest, the heir to Celia, who broke the silence, stepping forward, closer to their father.

“Are you insane, Father? My sisters are not some prize to be sold. Vampires are cunning, blood thirsty demons. You're basically offering them a full course meal at their beck and call. The constellation prize being a crown that may very well never happen in their lifetime,” Lionel spoke out, outrage evident in his tone.

Evelyn smiled at her brother, her closest friend, her fiercest champion. She could always count on him being in her corner.

The King seemed to ignore his son's outbursts, continuing to address his daughters. “You know I love each of you very much, but this is what is best for our Kingdom. If the rumors are true we will need King Alexander and his Kingdom to stand beside us should the wolves breach our borders. This marriage will solidify the alliance, guaranteeing us their aid for when the time comes.”

“When do we leave?” Evelyn asked, finally speaking up. There was no sense in arguing. Her father was right. The wolves were dangerous. She knew that better than anyone.

The King smiled at her, grateful to her for not speaking against his decision. “Tomorrow morning. It’s a two day journey to Castle Cretzia where we will meet them. You have only tonight to pack your things. Whomever the Prince chooses will leave with him right away. I know my girls won’t disappoint.”